In his latest press conference, Marcelo Bielsa has revealed more information on the Leeds United injury crisis that his side faces. Along with transfer rumours, Bielsa spoke on Patrick Bamford’s injury and being forced to include multiple youngsters. All this and more, as reported by Phil Hay.
Marcelo Bielsa Comments on Leeds United Injury Crisis
Depleted Squad
There has been a lot made of other teams in the Premier League having games called off amidst the pandemic recently. Leeds have filled their bench with teenagers and have suffered through in the absence of numerous senior players.
As previously mentioned, Bamford is at the fore of the issues for Bielsa with goals being hard to come by. Jack Harrison netted his first-ever hat-trick in the win over West Ham United last time out but besides that, they’ve been hard-pressed for goals. Bielsa has said that Bamford is now suffering from a different injury, this time in his foot. It is unlikely he will feature against Newcastle United.
Bielsa said Bamford has recovered from his previous injury issue. This is a different problem. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 20, 2022
Adam Forshaw and Junior Firpo are also expected to miss the visit of the Magpies to Elland Road, both with hamstring injuries. These are a few of the many absentees that have contributed to numerous teenagers featuring in matchday squads. One of them is Joe Gelhardt and for a change, there is good news as he is expected to be available next time out.
Talking of the youngsters being brought in, Bielsa has an understandable view on it all, particularly when it comes to 15-year-old Archie Gray. “What’s happened to him has been premature. I don’t think it’s good for a player of his age to occupy the space he has. If I could have avoided it, I would have done. But the reality took him to be there deservedly.”
Will Leeds Make Any Signings In This Window?
These mass injuries leave Leeds with a small squad and so that could lead to some transfer business from Bielsa. One player who has been heavily linked is USMNT midfielder, Brendan Aaronson. The American joined RB Salzburg from Philadelphia Union not too long ago but after going from strength to strength, a number of teams are said to be interested.
Exc: From @TheAthletic and @samstejskal – Leeds United have tabled a formal bid for RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson. Believed to be in the region of £15m. Salzburg valuation higher than that but Leeds persisting with their interest.
Story here:https://t.co/3stazNDs9H
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 18, 2022
Bielsa wasn’t giving too much away on the rumours though. He added: “I prefer to speak about a player when it’s not a hypothetical possibility but is our player.”
Aaronson has starred in the Champions League for Salzburg as they’ve made it into the knockout stages. Besides the excellence of Raphinha, there is a huge dearth of creativity and that is something that Aaronson would bring in abundance. Regardless of that though, Bielsa has kept his cards close to his chest when it comes to arrivals and so who knows what will happen this month.
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